"Baja", "dipain frire", "gateau pomme de terre": easy Mauritian recipes to try during the lockdown

Baja (pakoras)

• 2 cups of Besan flour (preferably Besan mix since it contains all the spices you will need)
• 1 cup of multi-purpose flour
• 1 chopped onion
• ½ teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate
• 1 cup of water
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• vegetable oil

Combine the two types of flour, salt and baking soda in a large bowl and stir with water. Mix everything until you get a consistent paste. Add the chopped onions and let stand for about fifteen minutes.

Heat vegetable oil in a pan and leave it on medium heat.

Make small balls with the consistent paste and drop them slowly into the hot oil, stirring them constantly. Once they have inflated, remove the balls and drain them with paper towel. And you're done!

"Baja" is served with coriander chutney or a spicy sauce, depending on your taste, and a good cup of tea.

"Dipain frire" and "gateau pomme de terre"

So you have leftover bread and don't want to waste them? Don't worry. They can be simple but delicious snacks. You can also try this recipe with potato and onion rings.

The paste is similar to that of "baja", but replace the chopped onions with chopped chives. Once your paste is ready, dip your bread slices or potato or onion rings in it and fry them over low heat until they get a light brown colour and become crisp.

Once you have drained them with paper towels, serve them with a chutney of your choice.